Black Bean Chili with Eggplant

Eggplant's not traditional in chili, of course - but it furnishes a fabulous, meaty chew next to the chew of the beans in this deep, dark, delicious chili. Serve in bowls as a vegetarian main course. Serves 4 as a main course.

Directions:

Place the eggplant cubes in a strainer and sprinkle generously with salt. Let stand for 1 hour and pat dry with paper towels.

Simmer the chilies and the 3 cups of water in a large saucepan for 20 minutes. Puree the chilies and the liquid, in batches, in a blender until very smooth. Force the puree through a fine sieve and discard any solid pieces.

Heat the oil in a large, heavy Dutch oven over moderately high heat. Add eggplant and cook, stirring, until almost tender, about 4 minutes. Remove eggplant and set aside. Add onions and garlic to the same Dutch oven, adding more oil if necessary, and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes.